Brown reportedly took the stage with New Edition at Landers Center shortly after receiving the news. He professed his love for Houston when he addressed the crowd. "First of all, I want to tell you that I love you all," Brown said, according to the Associated Press. "Second, I would like to say, 'I love you Whitney.' The hardest thing for me to do is to come on this stage tonight."

According to Us Magazine, Brown did not come out on stage until the second song, "Hit Me Off," which he performed enthusiastically.